GA SB498

Georgia state government entities may only recognize accrediting agencies for secondary schools (grades 9-12) that meet State Board of Education evaluation criteria, with 80% of the accreditation evaluation weighted on student learning quality (achievement, gap closure, progress) and 20% on financial efficiency of the school or system.

Recognized accrediting agencies are prohibited from offering paid services or materials, directly or through related entities, to help schools address deficiencies identified during the agency's own evaluation process.

Accrediting agencies must follow due process procedures including adequate notice of deficiencies, opportunity for a hearing, right to appeal adverse actions, and right to legal counsel for schools; all cited deficiencies must be directly related to student learning quality or financial efficiency.

Accreditation of public elementary and middle schools may only be recognized by state entities if administered by the State Board of Education, with local boards of education responsible for reimbursing actual costs of the accreditation process.

The law applies to any initial or renewal accreditation agreement entered into on or after July 1, 2022, and does not require any public school or school system to be accredited.